This experience, and others similar, sparked the idea to apply to Hoare Lea’s Pollinate programme to undertake a research project and delve deeper into the barriers preventing the uptake of circular solutions in the MEP sector, and identify what might help us to overcome them. The project was born out of a practical and pressing challenge: how can we increase the circularity of our MEP design?

I reached out to Claire Brierley and Sanjoli Tuteja who were keen to be involved. Soon, Claire had enlisted a team of engineers: Anna Reid, Denny Shaba, Asha Sreekumar, Ebony Stephenson, and Sohil VargheseSamson. We set out to understand the industry landscape comprehensively: what circular economy solutions currently exist for MEP equipment, what successful circular business models from other industries could be adapted, and what enablers and blockers influence their implementation.

We conducted an extensive literature review and market research to compile a knowledge database of existing circular solutions available for MEP equipment. We found that circular models are better established for electrical equipment — there were plenty of examples of lighting, lifts, and solar panels provided as a service where manufacturers retain responsibility for maintenance and warranties. Reuse opportunities in mechanical and public health sectors, such as pipe recycling, also existed but were less widespread. Mechanical equipment reuse, such as heat pumps and chillers, faced greater challenges – including regulatory changes and warranty issues. For the most part, the solutions were being offered were small in scale, limiting the uptake.

To broaden our perspective, we studied circular economy approaches in sectors such as consumer electronics and automotive, where leasing models, take-back schemes, and refurbishment services are more mature. These case studies illuminated potential pathways for MEP equipment circularity that we could adapt.